Syed Abid Ali, an Indian cricketer who played 29 Tests from 1967 to 1974, has died at 83 in California. A medium pacer celebrated for his exceptional fielding and fast running, he notably struck the winning runs at The Oval in 1971, securing India’s first Test series victory in England. Over his career, he took 47 wickets and scored 1018 runs, boasting a versatile batting style. Despite being overshadowed by India’s famous spin quartet, he excelled in first-class cricket with 397 wickets and 8732 runs. After retiring, he coached teams in Andhra, UAE, and Maldives. BCCI president Roger Binny praised his contributions to cricket.
Moreover, his remarkable fitness and fielding skills were noteworthy. His ESPNcricinfo profile succinctly states: “Abid Ali had the feet of a sprinter, the energy of a marathon runner, and the determination of a decathlete, but unfortunately, he was born 20 years too early. His game was ideally suited for one-day cricket: he bowled brisk medium-pace, fielded brilliantly, and was a proactive lower-order batsman who ran between the wickets as if gliding on invisible skates.”
He was also quite the character. Ramnarayan mentioned, “He was expressive in an era when most bowlers tended to suppress their emotions. His appeals to God when he beat the edge, and his sardonic smiles towards batsmen favored by divine intervention – unfairly in Abid’s view – were memorable sights.”
Abid Ali never fully established himself as a prominent figure in Indian cricket, partly due to the unfortunate timing of being a bowler during India’s illustrious spin quartet era. However, he remained a significant player for Hyderabad, participating in 212 first-class matches over 20 seasons, securing 397 wickets at an average of 28.55 and accumulating 8732 runs with 13 centuries and 41 fifties. He played his last Test match in December 1974, his final ODI in June 1975, and concluded his first-class career in 1978-79.
“Shri Syed Abid Ali was a genuine allrounder, a cricketer who embodied the essence of the game,” BCCI president Roger Binny remarked in a statement. “His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will forever be cherished. His commitment and versatility distinguished him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Following his playing career, Abid Ali transitioned into coaching, mentoring the Andhra team in the Ranji Trophy and also serving roles with the UAE and Maldives. At the time of his passing, he was residing in Tracy, California, with his family.